Thousands of institutions around the world were subject to a series of "WannaCry" ransomware attacks over the weekend of May 12, causing data to be encrypted with a claim for payment. The ransomware virus brought computer systems from Russia to China to the UK and the US to their knees, reflecting just how much modern human societies rely on technology to function.
Following the terrorist attack that took place on June 3 in London, British Prime Minister Theresa May, called for tighter international regulations on cyberspace. Introducing new rules for cyberspace, she said, would "deprive the extremists of their space online." May also insisted that technology companies are not doing enough to thwart terror groups online.
One of the greatest threats to jobs around the world is automation - smart factories of the future. Germany's 'Industry 4.0' initiative promotes the computerization of traditional industries such as manufacturing, as do many government initiatives around the world. While some praise the idea of "intelligent manufacturing", tech leaders have spoken out in support of a universal basic income (UBI) to avoid technology companies being perceived as job destroyers.
MYCOM OSI, the leading independent provider of Assurance, Automation and Analytics solutions to the world's largest Communications Service Providers (CSPs), recently participated in the Catalyst '5G Service Operations: Real time Service Assurance' during TM Forum Live! 2017 in Nice, France.
Global management consulting and professional services company Accenture announced that it will achieve a gender-balanced workforce, with 50 percent women and 50 percent men, by 2025.
The Sun Exchange, a marketplace where you can purchase solar cells and have them power businesses and communities, won the $20,000 first place prize at Smart Dubai's Blockchain Challenge on May 30 hosted with 1776, a global business incubator for startups. Smart Dubai and 1776 looked for game-changing applications of blockchain technology in any industry, and The Sun Exchange showed the most potential, according to the judges.
Smart UAE Wallet, a new service introduced at Dubai International Airport, allows departing passengers to use their smartphones at the smart gates instead of their passports.
Delivery drones continue to capture the attention of the news media, but will not be a major factor for several years, according to Gartner research, which indicates that the return on investment has not been proven either in regard to the cost of the drone, operational costs and a single customer delivery. That could be the case for drones delivering goods, but what about delivering people?
Swedish telecommunications colossus Ericsson delivered a fascinating and thought-provoking presentation on the role it intends to play in relation to providing mobility solutions via connected transportation for Smart Cities. Ericsson hosted the event which was entitled Ericsson Mobility Day: Connected Transportation for Smart Cities at Sofitel the Palm, Dubai. The presentation featured a host of high-profile speakers and experts within the field of mobility and examined the changes that may result from the large-scale uptake of a shared and self-driving fleet of vehicles into urban areas.
His Excellency Eng. Yasser El Kady, Egypt's ICT Minister, has announced that 4G frequencies are ready to be used in the country. Following delays, 4G services will soon be deployed. The Egyptian Government has completed preparations for the transfer of 4G frequencies to operators, according to the Minister, after selling four licenses in a 2016 auction.
